I Killed My Betta, So I Spent 6 Months Testing This Kit 200+ Times
I compared my API test kit results against lab testing 3 times over 6 months. Here’s what actually matched up, and the one test that kept lying to me.
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I Trusted the Package Label and My Betta Paid for It
The watts-per-gallon chart on your heater’s box is lying to you. Here’s the real formula based on your room’s actual temperature (not the ideal one).
My Tank Looked Fine. 12 Hours Later, My Fish Was Dead.
Gerald died because I missed 7 warning signs I didn’t know existed. The smell test alone (#1) would’ve saved him. Here’s what your tank is telling you.
My Betta Lasted 11 Days. Here’s What I Wish the Pet Store Had Told Me.
Pet stores said bettas like small spaces. Gerald died in 11 days. Here’s my real tier list of fish that actually survive beginner mistakes.
The Simple Drip Method That Would Have Saved Gerald the Betta
I killed Gerald the betta by skipping proper acclimation. Here’s the simple drip method (using stuff you already own) that would’ve saved him.
I Tracked 147 Water Tests to Settle the Sponge vs HOB Debate for Bettas
147 water tests later, the winner isn’t what betta forums told me. One filter type dominated for long-fins, but the other fixed a problem I didn’t expect.
What Gerald the Betta’s Early Death Taught Me About Cheap Fish Gear
I bought a $5 heater that cooked my guppies overnight. Here’s what’s actually worth buying cheap, and the 7 discount sources hobbyists don’t talk about.
I Killed My First Betta With Cheap Equipment. Here’s What I Buy Now.
I lost Gerald the betta to a cheap starter kit. Now I run a simple upgrade pyramid: filter first, then heater, then lighting. Here’s exactly what I buy.
I Trusted the Pet Store Employee. RIP Gerald the Betta.
After killing Gerald the betta and $200 worth of fish, I found the 7 species that survived my uncycled tank disasters. Cherry barbs are the real MVPs.
My Betta Hid Behind the Heater for Weeks. The Fix Was Embarrassingly Simple.
After testing filters on 7 tanks, I learned GPH ratings lie. Here’s how to match flow rate to your actual setup (and why your betta keeps hiding).